Mini Maniacs: California Meetup

Because of new Safety and Emissions Regulations, the Mini was withdrawn from the US market in 1968. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The Southern California MINI Maniacs (SCMM) celebrated their 10-year anniversary this year with a meetup to benefit the Semper Fi Fund in Tustin, CA. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

With about 1,800 members, SCMM is one of the largest organizations dedicated to Mini Coopers in the world. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The 1967 Riley Elf was built and marketed as a more luxurious version of the Mini. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Between 1960 and 1967, U.S. Mini sales was only about 10,000. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

MINI, spelled in all caps, either refers to MINI as a brand or the new model which was first shown at the Mondial De L'Automobile show in Paris in September 1999. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

To make more room in the cockpit in the first Minis, the wheels were pushed out to the corners and the engine was turned sideways. (photo credit: Brenda Plevyak)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The Southern California MINI Maniacs (SCMM) celebrated their 10-year anniversary this year with a meetup to benefit the Semper Fi Fund in Tustin, CA. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Mini owners love to express their spirit and personality by customizing their vehicles. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Built to combat the 1959 Suez Canal Crisis fuel increases, Minis averaged 50 miles per gallon. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Over 500,000 Minis were built from 1959 to 1962. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

In 1960, the cost of a new Mini sold in the USA was $1,295 (about $9,440 in 2012 dollars). (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

British racing legend John Cooper got his hands on the Mini in 1959 and two years later unveiled the Mini Cooper, a street legal performance racing vehicle. (photo credit: George Marsh)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

'Basil' is a 2008. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

This Mini was fitted with cold air induction, a new free flow exhaust system, painted calipers, a strut bar and sport springs. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

BMW bought Mini in 1994. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The Classic Mini's roof looked like a lid on the rest of the car's body. This effect was maintained with new Mini hardtop models by concealing the pillars behind the glass. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

'Casper' is a 2011 Clubman S. The Clubman has an extra side door and split rear barn doors for trunk access. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

'Blue Demon' is a 2006 John Cooper Works GP made in Italy. Only 400 exist in the U.S. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

With over 300 horsepower, a different engine head with large valves, bigger injections, free flowing headers and a larger catalytic converter, Blue Demon is the fastest Mini in the organization. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

'Miss Molly' is a 2012 convertible with sports package. The first Mini convertibles were introduced in 2004. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

'The Villain' is a 2005. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

'Bad MINI' is a 2003 fitted with a new intake, exhaust, shocks, springs, front and back sway bars, and a supercharger. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Grille badges are common accessories. Mini also sponsors a Carfun Offset program where car owners can donate to a project that supports sustainability and renewable energies. Mini matches your donation and sends you a Carfun grille badge representing your support for that particular project. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

In 2002, a bigger, stronger and faster Mini made its U.S. debut. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

In 2002, a bigger, stronger and faster Mini made its U.S. debut. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

For those who canât make it to Malibu, the meetups are in Long Beach on the second Saturday and in the Inland Empire on the third Saturday of every month. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

On the first Saturday of every month, SCMM has a meetup at Coogie's in Malibu. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

Most Minis are built at the BMW Group Plant near Oxford in the U.K. The Countryman is built in Austria. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

On the first Saturday of every month, SCMM has a meetup at Coogie's in Malibu. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

On the first Saturday of every month, SCMM has a meetup at Coogie's in Malibu. (photo credit: Michael Shen)

SoCal MINI Maniacs (SCMM) - Tustin, CA – Summer 2012

The Mini Cooper S is turbocharged and has 181 horsepower in comparison to 121 horsepower in the Mini Cooper. The S also has an air-intake bonnet scoop, larger wheels and a unique sport rear spoiler. (photo credit: Michael Shen)